Gaming system and method of gaming

ABSTRACT

A method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device which contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool comprises setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming device, the accumulated turn-over trigger value set based on a jackpot prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly selected. Responsive to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached, the method further comprises awarding a prize to the gaming device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/088,410 having a filing date of Aug. 13, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system, a controller, and method for awarding prizes.

Many venues employ controllers for awarding prizes to one or more of a plurality of gaming devices participating in a linked event. For example, in a linked event where jackpot prizes are awarded, a portion of turn-over on each gaming device will typically be forwarded to a jackpot controller as a contribution. That is, part of each wager goes towards the jackpot. The technique can be extended to a so called wide area jackpot where gaming devices from a number of different venues contribute to a single jackpot pool.

One common way of awarding a jackpot is a so called mystery jackpot where a trigger value, generally in a prize range, is randomly selected and stored by the jackpot controller. The jackpot controller determines to award the jackpot prize when the contributions cause the value of the jackpot pool to reach the trigger value.

While such techniques provide an opportunity for players to win large jackpot prizes, the need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect there is provided a prize triggering method comprising:

-   -   generating a random prize trigger for a gaming device, the prize         trigger independent of a game outcome of the gaming device; and     -   responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred,         awarding a prize from a prize pool.

In the context of the specification, the term “independent of a game outcome” is to be understood to include within its scope any outcome not directly tied to an outcome of a game implemented by the gaming device. For example, triggers independent of game outcomes may include accumulated turn over (also referred to as “coin in”), amount wagered in a particular time period, etc.

Further, for the purposes of this specification, the term “prize pool” is to be understood as a pool of monies made up, at least in part, of contributions from individual gaming devices eligible to be awarded prizes from the prize pool.

In an embodiment the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device.

In an embodiment the gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool.

In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly determined; and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool.

In an embodiment the prize pool trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device.

In an embodiment at least one of the range and current prize pool value is advertised to a player of the gaming device.

In an embodiment the prize value is proportional to a value of the prize pool, upon triggering of the prize.

In an embodiment a prize pool controller separate of the gaming device determines the proportion. Data indicative of the proportion may be communicated to the gaming device to allow the prize to be awarded.

In an embodiment the proportion is dependent on at least one of a number of gaming devices contributing toward the prize pool, current wager amount, current prize pool value, and total contributions made by the gaming device toward the prize pool.

In an embodiment, upon reaching the set accumulated turn-over value the gaming device communicates with a prize pool controller which maintains the prize pool to determine the prize amount.

In an embodiment the prize pool controller is separate to the gaming device.

In an embodiment the step of awarding the prize further comprises initiating a feature game, a maximum prize awardable in the feature game having a maximum prize value corresponding to a total value of the prize pool.

In accordance with a second aspect the present invention provides a method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device which contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming         device, the accumulated turn-over trigger value set based on a         jackpot prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part,         randomly selected; and     -   responsive to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger         value has been reached, awarding a prize to the gaming device.

In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over trigger value is additionally dependent on the percentage of turn-over contributed to the jackpot prize pool.

In an embodiment the prize is jackpot prize having a value which is proportional to the prize pool value.

In an embodiment the prize is a feature game having a maximum prize value which corresponds to the prize pool value.

In accordance with a third aspect the present invention provides a game controller for a gaming device, the game controller operable to:

-   -   set a prize trigger for the gaming device, the prize trigger         independent of a game outcome of the gaming device;     -   instruct a prize to be awarded responsive to determining that         the trigger has occurred, the prize being awarded from a prize         pool maintained by a prize pool controller.

In an embodiment the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device.

In an embodiment the gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool.

In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly determined and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool.

In an embodiment the game controller further comprises a random number generator arranged to randomly select the prize pool trigger value such that the trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device.

In an embodiment the game controller further comprises a display module arranged to display on a display screen, associated with the gaming device, at least one of the range and current prize pool value.

In an embodiment the game controller further comprises a communications module arranged to request a payout prize value from the prize pool controller responsive to the trigger being detected.

In accordance with a fourth aspect the present invention provides a prize pool controller arranged to communicate with one or more game controllers in accordance with the third aspect, the controller comprising an award module arranged to determine a prize value upon receiving a trigger signal from one of the gaming devices and communicate the prize value to the corresponding gaming device.

In accordance with a fifth aspect the present invention provides a gaming network comprising:

-   -   at least one gaming device implementing a game controller in         accordance with the third aspect; and     -   a prize pool controller arranged to maintain the prize pool.

In an embodiment the prize pool controller implements an award module in accordance with the fourth aspect.

In an embodiment the controller implements a separate prize pool for each of the least one gaming devices.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements the above methods.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a tangible computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect.

In accordance with a eighth aspect there is provided a data signal comprising the program code of the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of the gaming machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory;

FIG. 5 a is a block diagram of a prize controller implemented by the gaming machine;

FIG. 5 b is a block diagram of a prize pool controller implemented by a prize server; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment a gaming system is provided which comprises a game device comprising a controller. The controller is operable to generate a random prize trigger for the gaming device which is independent of a game outcome of the gaming device. Responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred, the controller instructs the awarding of a prize from a prize pool.

General System Configuration

In the gaming system configuration 100, a jackpot controller 110 is in data communication with a plurality of gaming devices 120 over a network 130. The gaming devices 120 are arranged in three banks 103 of two gaming machines 120. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that other configurations may be viable.

Gaming Devices

Herein, the term gaming device is used to refer to any device used by a player to a play a game and specifically includes stand alone gaming machines and interactive video terminals which implement games in a client/server architecture.

A gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module comprising a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine 300 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of FIG. 2.

The gaming machine 300 includes a game controller 301 having a processor 302. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 302 are stored in a memory 303, which is in data communication with the processor 302. Typically, the gaming machine 300 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 303.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 304 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 305 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 300. The input/output interface 305 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 313 generates random numbers for use by the processor 302. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 320 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 301 comprise one or more displays 306, buttons and/or a touch screen 307, a card and/or ticket reader 308, a printer 309, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 310 and a coin output mechanism 311. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 300, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 300 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 312. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 303. The memory 303 includes RAM 303A, EPROM 303B and a mass storage device 303C. The RAM 303A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 302 and related data. The EPROM 303B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 303C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 302 using protected code from the EPROM 303B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 300 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 306,307,308,309,310,311 to be provided remotely from the game controller 301

A gaming device as indicated above may also take the form of a client/server architecture where a portion of the game is executed on the client and a portion of the game is executed on the server. In such embodiments, the client typically takes the form of an interactive video terminal which has a similar outward appearance to the gaming machine described above. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of gaming device that is employed is not important to the present invention.

Further Detail of the Controller

The following embodiment is described in the context of a linked system 100A whereby a plurality of gaming devices contribute to individual prize pools from which the associated prizes are drawn. The gaming devices communicate with a prize server implementing a prize pool controller (which manages each of the individual prize pools), over a network such as the network 130 previously described with reference to FIG. 1. Prizes are awarded from the prize pool responsive to a gaming device detecting an internal randomly generated prize trigger, which is independent of a game outcome. It will be appreciated that in embodiments the individual gaming devices may contribute to a common jackpot prize pool and the individual prizes determined separately for each gaming device based on a prize determination criteria such as, for example, the amount which the particular gaming devices has contributed towards the prize pool.

To carry out aforementioned functionality, each of the gaming devices (hereafter gaming machines) employ a prize controller 131, as shown in FIG. 5 a. In the example embodiment, the prize controller 131 is incorporated into the game controller 301. For simplicity, only those modules needed to carry out embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 5 a.

The prize controller 131 includes a processor 520 which is arranged to carry out functions associated with generating the prize trigger and determining when the prize trigger has occurred. It will be apparent that the processor 520 implements a number of modules, namely a random number generator 521, trigger value determination module 522 and award module 524, based on program code stored in memory 540.

In the presently described embodiment, the trigger is associated with an accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device which is set based on both a randomly determined prize pool trigger value and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool. With the aid of the random number generator 521, the prize controller randomly selects the prize pool trigger value such that the trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device (i.e. as specified in memory 540), as will be described in more detail in subsequent paragraphs with reference to FIG. 6. It will be appreciated that by utilising the gaming machine prize controller 131 to make the random determinations (in contrast to conventional systems whereby all jackpot prize triggers are randomly determined by the jackpot controller), the jackpot controller can be classified as “associated gaming equipment” which is not subject to the same level of regulatory approval. This is advantageous since it means that the jackpot controller can be manufactured for a reduced cost and implemented in a faster time frame than conventional systems, due to the less stringent regulatory constraints.

The prize pool range and current prize pool value may be advertised to players of the gaming device. The accumulated turn-over trigger value is stored as trigger parameter data in memory 540. In this embodiment the value remains set until the associated prize has been awarded, at which time the determination module 522 randomly generates a new accumulated turn-over trigger value.

Upon completion of each game, the determination module 522 inspects the relevant machine parameter (in this example, accumulated turn over) to determine whether the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached. If a positive determination is made, the determination module 522 requests a payout value from a prize server 110, as will be described in more detail below, before awarding the associated prize.

As previously discussed, prizes are awarded from a prize pool. As individual games are played on the gaming machines 120, data indicative of the contributions made by each machine in those games is sent over the network 130 to a prize pool controller 134, implemented by the prize server 110. A schematic of the pool controller 134 is shown in FIG. 5 b. The pool controller 134 operates in much the same manner as a conventional jackpot controller in so far as maintaining the prize pool is concerned irrespective of whether individual prize pools are being maintained or whether a single pool for all participating gaming machines. That is, the pool controller 134 processes each machine contribution utilising a contribution processor 138 and updates prize pool data 140, stored in memory 142, by an amount corresponding to the contribution. Similarly, when prizes are awarded from the prize pool, the prize pool data 140 is adjusted to reflect the payout value. In other words, the prize pool data 140 reflects the total prize pool value at any given time.

In an embodiment the prize pool controller 134 additionally maintains rule data 144 (also stored in memory 142) which specifies how the prize pool is to be divided up, if at all, for each awarded prize. The rules may vary for different machines and also for different time periods. For example, the rules may be set up to award larger prizes during special time periods. In another embodiment, the value of the prize may depend on the number of machines contributing towards the pool (i.e. where a common prize pool is being maintained), the current wager amount of the machine which is to be awarded the prize, the total contributions made by that machine toward the prize pool, etc. Any number of different rules are envisaged, depending only on the desired implementation. Alternatively, in a simplified embodiment, the prize value may simply correspond to the value of the prize pool.

Upon receipt of a payout value request from a gaming machine 120, the prize pool controller 134 inspects the prize pool data 140 and rule data 144 to determine a payout value. For example, if the current prize pool value is $1,000 and the rule data specifies that 50% of the pool is to be awarded to that particular machine (e.g. which is determined based on the contributions made by the machine toward the prize pool), the payout value will be $500. Data representative of the payout value is then sent back to the gaming machine which issued the request, over the network 130. The award module 524 implemented by that gaming machine processes the data representative of the payout value and awards the player with a corresponding prize.

An example methodology 600 is summarised in FIG. 6. At step 602, a prize trigger value for a gaming device/machine is randomly determined by the controller 131. The prize trigger is independent of a game outcome of the gaming device. In this case, the prize trigger is based on “coin in” (i.e. the amount wagered on the gaming device) and the prize pool trigger value set to fall between the lower limit of $1000 and the upper limit of $2000. With the aid of the random number generator, a randomly generated prize pool trigger value is set at $1,567.28. Based on a gaming device contribution of 1.5%, the trigger value for the gaming device is $14485.33. Game play is then carried out as per steps 604 through 606 such that at the conclusion of each game the trigger value determination module 522 determines whether the coin in value has exceeded the trigger value (step 610).

Responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred, at step 612, a prize from a prize pool is awarded to the gaming device utilising the award module 526. Otherwise, play continues as normal (step 614).

Although in the above embodiments a monetary prize was awarded to the gaming machines, it will be understood that other forms of prizes may be awarded. For example, in an embodiment, upon determining that the trigger has occurred, the gaming machine may initiate play of a feature game. Various levels of prizes may be awarded in the feature game. For example, the feature game may have a major prize value corresponding, for example, to the total prize pool value. Secondary prizes of lesser value may be awarded for various other game outcomes. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that value of the secondary prize can vary depending on the actual implementation. For example, in some implementations, the secondary prize value will vary as a function of time or as a function of the value of the prize pool.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 

1. A prize triggering method comprising: generating a random prize trigger for a gaming device, the prize trigger independent of a game outcome of the gaming device; and responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred, awarding a prize from a prize pool.
 2. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device.
 3. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 2, wherein the gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool.
 4. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 3, wherein the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly determined, and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool.
 5. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the prize pool trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device.
 6. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 5, wherein at least one of the range and current prize pool value is advertised to a player of the gaming device.
 7. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the prize value is proportional to a value of the prize pool, upon triggering of the prize.
 8. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 7, wherein a prize pool controller separate of the gaming device determines the proportion and wherein data indicative of the proportion is communicated to the game device to allow the prize to be awarded.
 9. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 7, wherein the proportion is dependent on at least one of a number of gaming devices contributing toward the prize pool, current wager amount of the gaming device, current prize pool value, and total contributions made by the gaming device towards the prize pool.
 10. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, wherein, upon reaching the set accumulated turn-over value, the gaming device communicates with a prize pool controller which maintains the prize pool to determine the prize amount.
 11. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the prize pool controller is separate to the gaming device.
 12. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of awarding the prize comprising initiating a feature game, a maximum prize awardable in the feature game having a value corresponding to a total value of the prize pool.
 13. A method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device which contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool, the method comprising the steps of: setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming device, the accumulated turn-over trigger value set based on a jackpot prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly selected; and responsive to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached, awarding a prize to the gaming device.
 14. A method of awarding a jackpot prize in accordance with claim 13, wherein the accumulated turn-over trigger value is additionally dependent on the percentage of turn-over contributed to the jackpot prize pool.
 15. A method of awarding a jackpot prize in accordance with claim 13, wherein the prize is jackpot prize having a value which is proportional to the prize pool value.
 16. A method of awarding a jackpot prize in accordance with claim 13, wherein the prize is a feature game having a maximum prize value which corresponds to the prize pool value.
 17. A game controller for a gaming device, the game controller operable to: set a prize trigger for the gaming device, the prize trigger independent of a game outcome of the gaming device; instruct a prize to be awarded responsive to determining that the trigger has occurred, the prize being awarded from a prize pool maintained by a prize pool controller.
 18. A game controller in accordance with claim 17, wherein the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn-over value of the gaming device.
 19. A game controller in accordance with claim 18, wherein the gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool.
 20. A game controller in accordance with claim 19, wherein the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a randomly determined prize pool trigger value and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool.
 21. A game controller in accordance with claim 20, further comprising a random number generator arranged to randomly select the prize pool trigger value such that the trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device.
 22. A game controller in accordance with claim 21, further comprising a display module arranged to display on a display screen, associated with the gaming device, at least one of the range and current prize pool value.
 23. A game controller in accordance with claim 17, further comprising a communications module arranged to request a payout prize value from the prize pool controller responsive to the trigger being detected.
 24. A prize pool controller arranged to communicate with one or more game controllers as claimed in claim 17, the controller comprising an award module arranged to determine a prize value upon receiving a trigger signal from one of the gaming devices and communicate the prize value to the corresponding gaming device.
 25. A gaming system comprising: at least one gaming device implementing a game controller in accordance with claim 17; and a prize pool controller arranged to maintain a prize pool.
 26. A gaming system in accordance with claim 25, wherein the prize pool controller implements an award module as claimed in claim
 24. 27. A gaming system in accordance with claim 25, wherein the controller implements a separate prize pool for each of the least one gaming devices.
 28. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising executing a computer program code with a processor.
 29. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 28, further comprising storing said computer program code in a tangible computer readable medium. 